Tartuffe

Definition

Tartuffe is a comedic play written by Molière that explores themes of hypocrisy, religious deceit, and social critique through the character of Tartuffe, a conman who poses as a pious individual. The play is significant for its satirical portrayal of religious figures and the gullibility of those who blindly follow them. It exemplifies how Renaissance theater drew from Greek and Roman traditions to address contemporary issues in society, using humor to challenge societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tartuffe was first performed in 1664 but faced censorship due to its critical view of religion and morality.
2. The character of Tartuffe represents the archetype of the religious hypocrite, making the play a sharp critique of blind faith.
3. Molière's use of comedic elements in Tartuffe serves to highlight serious moral issues while keeping audiences entertained.
4. The play ultimately led to significant controversy, sparking debates about the role of religion in society and the limits of artistic expression.
5. Tartuffe has had a lasting impact on theater and remains a relevant work for discussions around deception and morality.

Review Questions

• How does Tartuffe reflect the influence of earlier comedic traditions from Greek and Roman theater?
  • Tartuffe reflects the influence of Greek and Roman comedic traditions through its use of stock characters, situational comedy, and themes that critique societal norms. Just as Greek comedies often highlighted the follies of individuals through exaggerated characters, Molière uses Tartuffe to portray the absurdity of blind faith and hypocrisy. The play combines humor with moral lessons, reminiscent of how Roman comedies satirized societal issues while entertaining audiences.
• Discuss how Molière's portrayal of Tartuffe challenges societal perceptions of religion during the Renaissance period.
  • Molière's portrayal of Tartuffe directly challenges societal perceptions of religion by exposing the dangers of hypocrisy among those who misrepresent their piety for personal gain. The character's manipulation of religious sentiment prompts audiences to question the authenticity of such beliefs in society. This critique resonates with the Renaissance focus on humanism and rationality, urging viewers to seek truth rather than blindly follow authority figures under the guise of virtue.
• Evaluate the significance of humor in Tartuffe as a tool for social commentary and critique within the context of Renaissance theater.
  • Humor in Tartuffe serves as a vital tool for social commentary by allowing Molière to address serious themes such as deception, morality, and societal hypocrisy without alienating his audience. Through witty dialogue and comedic situations, he creates an engaging narrative that encourages reflection on personal beliefs and social practices. This use of humor aligns with Renaissance theater's tradition of combining entertainment with meaningful critique, making Tartuffe a powerful example of how comedy can provoke thought while entertaining.

Related terms

Hypocrisy: The act of pretending to have beliefs, opinions, or virtues that one does not actually possess, often to deceive others.

Satire: A genre of literature that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or society as a whole.

Molière:

A French playwright and actor known for his contributions to comedy and satire, particularly in works like Tartuffe and The Misanthrope.